Up for preorder on Kickstarter right now (though only for the US), a smaller version of 3 Squares' Tim3 Machin3 multi-cooker promises settings for rice, yogurt, quinoa, oatmeal, steam-cook and slow-cook.

Larger, with more doors and a more powerful engine, the 2015 Mini Cooper S, in 4-Door trim, broadens its appeal while retaining its unique looks -- but tread carefully on the option sheet as the price can get very high.